Councilman Bob Lewis says Owens submitted his resignation at last night's meeting after nearly seven years with the town. Lewis says Councilman Lashley then submitted his resignation, followed by Mayor Rothrock.

Rothrock tells WECT.com that he resigned with the others, because it would be pointless to sit on a board with the remaining members. Rothrock was just elected to the two-year position last year. Lashley's term was set to expire this year as well.

"I would say it was relatively surprising," Councilman Lewis said.

Lewis said the remaining members of council met with town staff this morning to discuss next steps. He says they will have to appoint people for the two open positions, while Mayor Pro Tem Steve Shuttleworth assumes the role of Acting Mayor.

Shuttleworth tells WECT.com remaining council members met in groups of two with department heads this morning. He says they have been in contact with the League of Municipalities to help get an interim town manager in place by the end of this week.

Owens released the following statement Wednesday afternoon in regards to his resignation:

Effective immediately, I have resigned the position of Town Manager for the Town of Carolina Beach. I have enjoyed working for the Town and I am proud of all of the accomplishments of my co-workers over the past six and a half years. Carolina Beach is fortunate to have a great group of employees that will continue to move the Town forward. I value all of the relationships built over the years and I appreciate all those that have positively supported the Town during my tenure as manager.

At a meeting Wednesday night, it was announced that Ed Parvin, the town's planning director, has been named temporary town manager.

Later, the town will find an interim manager.

The three remaining board members will pick the mayor.

Then, they will appoint two people to the remaining open seats. The board members are asking anyone with any interest in leading Carolina Beach to apply at town hall.

Things took a turn Thursday afternoon after Councilman Lonnnie Lashley told WECT that resigning was a big mistake.

He admitted that his emotions got in the way. Lashley says that he is sorry for abandoning the councilmen at such a tough time.

Lashley also apologized to the citizens for abandoning them and says that he already misses it.